The NHS has begun rolling out a new form of cancer immunotherapy that allows patients to receive treatment in as little as one minute, marking a significant shift in how some of the most widely used cancer drugs are administered across England.
The injection, a subcutaneous version of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), replaces the traditional intravenous drip that can take between 30 minutes and two hours. According to NHS England, the new approach can reduce treatment time by up to 90%, offering a faster and more convenient option for thousands of patients.
The rollout is expected to benefit around 14,000 patients annually who currently receive the drug via infusion, particularly those being treated for cancers such as lung, breast, head and neck, and cervical cancer.
Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug that works by stimulating the body's immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. It belongs to a class of treatments known as checkpoint inhibitors, which have transformed outcomes for a range of cancers over the past decade.
The new injectable form delivers the drug under the skin rather than through a vein, significantly reducing the time required for administration. NHS England says the jab can be given 'in just 60 seconds', compared with the lengthy preparation and delivery process required for intravenous infusions.
Medical experts say the change is not just about convenience, but also efficiency. The NHS estimates that switching eligible patients to the injectable version could save more than 100,000 clinical hours annually, freeing up capacity in hospitals and chemotherapy units.
NHS leaders have described the development as a major improvement in patient care, particularly for those who require long-term, repeated treatment sessions.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said the introduction of the faster injection would make a real difference to patients' lives by reducing the time they spend in hospital settings and allowing more flexibility in care delivery.
'Managing cancer treatment and regular hospital trips can be really exhausting, and not only will this innovation make therapy much quicker and more convenient for patients, it will also help free up vital appointments for NHS teams to treat more people and continue to bring down waiting times.'
While exact quotes vary across NHS communications, the overall message from clinicians has been consistent: shorter treatment times are expected to improve both patient experience and system efficiency.
Source: International Business Times UK
